RESOURCES MENTIONED: 10 Alaska Cruise Packing do's and don'ts: cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/ Travel Advisor Referral: Mention CruiseTipsTV when you call! cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/ - (949) 681-8092 to book a cruise with Wendy and her team :-) Safely Book Alaska Shore Excursions for Less: www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1369368&data=sheri@cruisetipstv.com Wall Itinerary cruisetipstv.com/docs/Sample-Wall-Mount-Itinerary.zip ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST 2024 🌲What to pack for an Alaska Cruise 🌲 th-cam.com/video/aLFc69yCGoo/w-d-xo.html FREE Alaska Packing LIST: cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/ MAGNET DISCOUNT: Magicaldaycreations.com makes custom magnets - use code CTT10 for 10% off your order PRODUCT LINKS: All jackets & outerwear shown: urlgeni.us/amazon/Outerwear Waterproof shoes: Womens LIGHT hiking boot- urlgeni.us/amzn/bootcolumbia Men’s LIGHT hiking boot: urlgeni.us/amzn/b9mL Men’s light waterproof shoe: urlgeni.us/amzn/MenWaterproof More shoes for a cruise: urlgeni.us/amazon/CruiseShoes Sneak erasers: amzn.to/3KjOiNn Lightweight backpack (unisex): urlgeni.us/amazon/BackpackRED Hand warmers: amzn.to/3KfzUFF Dry socks: Men- urlgeni.us/amzn/MenDrySock & Women- urlgeni.us/amzn/DrySockGals Waterproof socks: urlgeni.us/amzn/WaterproofSock Packable puffer, fleece layer and rain layer favorites: Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/44V6czu Packing cubes seen on thumbnail: amzn.to/3R2napJ Travel binoculars: amzn.to/4buQqO5 Sling bag or belt bag: amzn.to/4bzUz3q Waterproof luggage tag holders - all cruise lines amzn.to/44Zi6bp Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity: amzn.to/4by23nF Hamper: urlgeni.us/amzn/LeafHamper MORE Alaska Cruise Essentials: urlgeni.us/amazon/Alaska Shop My Cruise Outfits & Follow on LTK: www.shopltk.com/explore/CruiseTipsTV
This video was the most super helpful of all "when to go to Alaska" cruise videos out there as you broke it down by month, and why. Excellent! Thank you, it was very helpful!
We went June 29 to July 06 in 2018. We were on the Celebrity Millennium, started in Seward Alaska one way to Vancouver. We found the one way trip gave us more time in port at all the stops. The weather was perfect, 80 degree days and no rain. It was one of the best cruises we have taken out of the 23 we have been on. 🎉
Seward is amazing and has so much to do. Easy train or bus ride from Anchorage. We rented a car from Anchorage on a land only trip during the pandemic.
@@CruiseTipsTVflew to Seattle then to Anchorage on Alaskan Air. Spent the night in Anchorage. You have to eat at Simon and Seafort’s in Anchorage, so good. Celebrity drove us to Seward, nice drive.
I'm going for the third time in September. The first time I went in the last week of August; the second time in May. All three times on different lines (Royal Caribbean, Princess, and now Disney); all three from different routes (Seward to Vancouver, Seattle to Seattle, Vancouver to Vancouver). I did notice the really cheap rates in May when I thought about traveling after Vegas was out of the NHL playoffs, but as I had the trip already planned, I elected to do other things. I picked this years dates partly because of the lower prices, and partly because September always has fewer kids (almost non-existent on some cruises after labor day). I'm aware of the irony, but I did enjoy my first Disney cruise as they had a whole mess of activities I liked; probably more than any other line I've been on.
I'm also finding, if you expect the perfect Alaska cruise and only plan to go there once, you'll be the most disappointed. I've been on 3 Alaska cruises-- the first two canceled Juneau, and the first one had a very rainy Ketchikan. I ended up doing my whale watch (we had about a dozen humpbacks show up) at Prince Rupert instead of Juneau. Despite that, I enjoyed all 3 of the cruises.
Totally saw Northern Lights in May this year 5:29 from the cruise ship. Got so lucky. Went early this year. Saw all the animals since we did land tour too. Some stuff wasn't open yet but no skeeters or crowds was worth it.
We just cruised to Alaska the last week of May, it was AMAZING. Great weather, but crowded, lots of ships in each port. But would do it again in a heartbeat
Thanks for video. Anyway, temperatures are cold in October, but official weather records of last few years show !! only 4 rainy days !! in average in Alaska.😊 So, I have already booked for upcoming October - cold temperatures and wind don't really bother me (I originally come from Northern Europe). And nice side effect - cruise fare and all booked excursions are really bargain for me (solo traveller). Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
I went on the NCL Encore to Alaska last year from Oct 22-28th, we were one of the last ships of the season and it was amazing. We got so lucky with sunny weather and calm seas the entire time. And because there were not really any other ships, it wasn't crazy busy either. Plus with all the shops closing up after our departure we got some deep discounts on souvenirs. I'm talking like $25 for three shirts, a necklace, a couple shot glasses, a couple magnets. The store was crowded but worth it! Such a beautiful cruise
If time and budget permit, a land tour including Fairbanks, Denali, and Juneau is wonderful before or after a one-way cruise. The train ride down to Seward was filled with beautiful views.
off shoulder season everything is closed up except for a couple restaurants. I'd rather go when everything is open and the salmon are running and bears are feeding on them. Going when everything is closed is like a ghost town unless you like noone around then yes go early.
Went in May on Discovery Princess and had a great time! It drizzled in Seattle, Juneau, and Ketchikan but just drizzled so no problem {being a New Hampshire native I have no issues with colder weather or cold drizzle). Saw whales, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles. No mosquitos. Glacier Bay was amazing and it was in the low 40s but the crew was handing out blankets and spiked coffee topside. And cruising the Inside Passage was indescribably beautiful: narrow fjords between snow capped mountains. So I'm all in on recommending a May Alaska cruise.
You can see the northern lights up in Alaska in late August / early September around Denali about 4-5 hour drive north of Anchorage. But that's way far away from the cruising area. I highly recommend doing an RV trip on your own for a week before or after your cruise. Great Alaskan Holidays is a great local company. It's more affordable than most people think.
Thank you for those tips. I am retiring next year around September 25. To celebrate we are taking our 2nd cruise ever on Holland America out of Vancouver in late August. Fully expecting cold and rain. I am a word one I like cold because I have more cloths for cold than cool. I look better in warmer cloths😂 I was hoping to see wales but And maybe the Northern lights but I’ve watch a lot of videos that say don’t get your hopes up for it over the years. We watch and follow a lot of people that live in Alaska so it’s just a gorgeous place. Always wanted to see it with some snow.
I went mid September. In Ketchikan the salmon run was over the week before we went. As such, there were thousands of dead fish laying around the river leaving a rather odiferous mark. So that is something to think of as well.
Last year I went to Alaska at the end of May and beginning of June. I had one day of decent weather; the other days were cold and drizzly. Yet another cruise vlogger I follow went on the same itinerary two weeks EARLIER and had great weather. Point being, Alaska weather is unpredictable.
I'm in my early 40. I have been princess before. Friends last minute invite to Alaska cruise. I normally go on Royal but thought at least the food would be good. 😢 First vacation in 10 years, and I was disappointed the food wasn't good, the entertainment sounded like a high school musical. I know it's not the cruise faults, but the only excursion I wanted it get rained out. 😢 so sad
I'm leaving for Alaska next Saturday (August 31-September 7) and I'm so excited. I have all my layers and really good waterproof jackets/shoes/hats and ponchos ready to go. Bring on the rain 🌧. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst, keeping your expectations realistic is what makes your trip for the better or worse in my opinion, no matter the time of year.
Great video 😊. We are going to Alaska with NCL next year and I found your comments very helpful 👍. Weather, prices, lots of people on land - it doesn't matter, as long as we get to see a bear 😐. Otherwise, from day to day, my friend's mood will resemble normal winter weather in Alaska - frosty to freezing cold ☃️😂. Kind regards from Berlin, Germany
We have done two cruises both in late May and I don't think I would ever change that. Weather was great I'll be at a little bit rainy but crowds were moderate and the only downside are no Bears or salmon for the most part
We found that June 1 - 8th was not great. Mostly cold and wet with no wildlife sightings. Part of the reason was, of course , missing a whole port. This was so disappointing. Princess offered NO compensation. This, to us, was unacceptable. A letter has been written, but alas, I'm sure will not be responded to. We will go straight to Alaska next time and skip the whole cruise thing.
Hi, can you tell us the reason that Princess missed a whole port? Was it weather-related in June? Or some other issue? Thinking of going soon myself. Thanks in advance.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
10 Alaska Cruise Packing do's and don'ts: cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/
Travel Advisor Referral: Mention CruiseTipsTV when you call!
cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/ - (949) 681-8092 to book a cruise with Wendy and her team :-)
Safely Book Alaska Shore Excursions for Less:
www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1369368&data=sheri@cruisetipstv.com
Wall Itinerary
cruisetipstv.com/docs/Sample-Wall-Mount-Itinerary.zip
ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST 2024 🌲What to pack for an Alaska Cruise 🌲
th-cam.com/video/aLFc69yCGoo/w-d-xo.html
FREE Alaska Packing LIST:
cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/
MAGNET DISCOUNT:
Magicaldaycreations.com makes custom magnets - use code CTT10 for 10% off your order
PRODUCT LINKS:
All jackets & outerwear shown: urlgeni.us/amazon/Outerwear
Waterproof shoes: Womens LIGHT hiking boot- urlgeni.us/amzn/bootcolumbia
Men’s LIGHT hiking boot: urlgeni.us/amzn/b9mL
Men’s light waterproof shoe: urlgeni.us/amzn/MenWaterproof
More shoes for a cruise: urlgeni.us/amazon/CruiseShoes
Sneak erasers: amzn.to/3KjOiNn
Lightweight backpack (unisex): urlgeni.us/amazon/BackpackRED
Hand warmers: amzn.to/3KfzUFF
Dry socks: Men- urlgeni.us/amzn/MenDrySock & Women- urlgeni.us/amzn/DrySockGals
Waterproof socks: urlgeni.us/amzn/WaterproofSock
Packable puffer, fleece layer and rain layer favorites:
Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/44V6czu
Packing cubes seen on thumbnail: amzn.to/3R2napJ
Travel binoculars: amzn.to/4buQqO5
Sling bag or belt bag: amzn.to/4bzUz3q
Waterproof luggage tag holders - all cruise lines amzn.to/44Zi6bp
Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity: amzn.to/4by23nF
Hamper: urlgeni.us/amzn/LeafHamper
MORE Alaska Cruise Essentials: urlgeni.us/amazon/Alaska
Shop My Cruise Outfits & Follow on LTK: www.shopltk.com/explore/CruiseTipsTV
Late September 2023, cruisers on the NCL jewel saw the northern lights one night about 2 am.
I'm going Sept 2025 and that is my hope too!
@@anns1921 is too. What ship and date?
This video was the most super helpful of all "when to go to Alaska" cruise videos out there as you broke it down by month, and why. Excellent! Thank you, it was very helpful!
Our pleasure, thanks for watching!
We went June 29 to July 06 in 2018. We were on the Celebrity Millennium, started in Seward Alaska one way to Vancouver. We found the one way trip gave us more time in port at all the stops. The weather was perfect, 80 degree days and no rain. It was one of the best cruises we have taken out of the 23 we have been on. 🎉
that's so cool- we have that on our list to try. How was the travel piece though, flying up to Seward?
Seward is amazing and has so much to do. Easy train or bus ride from Anchorage. We rented a car from Anchorage on a land only trip during the pandemic.
@@CruiseTipsTVflew to Seattle then to Anchorage on Alaskan Air. Spent the night in Anchorage. You have to eat at Simon and Seafort’s in Anchorage, so good. Celebrity drove us to Seward, nice drive.
Were doing June 27th till July 10th 11days basically same as yours I hope we have good weather too. You guys were lucky.
I'm going for the third time in September. The first time I went in the last week of August; the second time in May. All three times on different lines (Royal Caribbean, Princess, and now Disney); all three from different routes (Seward to Vancouver, Seattle to Seattle, Vancouver to Vancouver).
I did notice the really cheap rates in May when I thought about traveling after Vegas was out of the NHL playoffs, but as I had the trip already planned, I elected to do other things.
I picked this years dates partly because of the lower prices, and partly because September always has fewer kids (almost non-existent on some cruises after labor day). I'm aware of the irony, but I did enjoy my first Disney cruise as they had a whole mess of activities I liked; probably more than any other line I've been on.
how was the weather in early SEP ? going on ncl bliss thanks !
I'm also finding, if you expect the perfect Alaska cruise and only plan to go there once, you'll be the most disappointed. I've been on 3 Alaska cruises-- the first two canceled Juneau, and the first one had a very rainy Ketchikan. I ended up doing my whale watch (we had about a dozen humpbacks show up) at Prince Rupert instead of Juneau. Despite that, I enjoyed all 3 of the cruises.
Hi, can you tell me which cruise line cancelled Juneau? Thanks
I'm LOVING all this Alaska content! We leave in ONE WEEK! EEEEK!
Yay! Whohoo! By the way, congrats you were our cruiser of the week last night!
@@CruiseTipsTV WHAT?!? Oh my goodness! I’ve been working a ton more than usual and I missed it! I’ll have to go watch it now!
Totally saw Northern Lights in May this year 5:29 from the cruise ship. Got so lucky. Went early this year. Saw all the animals since we did land tour too. Some stuff wasn't open yet but no skeeters or crowds was worth it.
That's so amazing! You're lucky!
We just cruised to Alaska the last week of May, it was AMAZING. Great weather, but crowded, lots of ships in each port. But would do it again in a heartbeat
Which cruise line and ports did you visit? Thanks!
@@icedteamama176 Norwegian Bliss, Sitka, Ketchikan, icy point straight, Juneau and Victoria BC
Thanks for video.
Anyway, temperatures are cold in October, but official weather records of last few years show !! only 4 rainy days !! in average in Alaska.😊 So, I have already booked for upcoming October - cold temperatures and wind don't really bother me (I originally come from Northern Europe). And nice side effect - cruise fare and all booked excursions are really bargain for me (solo traveller).
Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
I went on the NCL Encore to Alaska last year from Oct 22-28th, we were one of the last ships of the season and it was amazing. We got so lucky with sunny weather and calm seas the entire time. And because there were not really any other ships, it wasn't crazy busy either. Plus with all the shops closing up after our departure we got some deep discounts on souvenirs. I'm talking like $25 for three shirts, a necklace, a couple shot glasses, a couple magnets. The store was crowded but worth it! Such a beautiful cruise
That sounds so nice!
If time and budget permit, a land tour including Fairbanks, Denali, and Juneau is wonderful before or after a one-way cruise. The train ride down to Seward was filled with beautiful views.
off shoulder season everything is closed up except for a couple restaurants. I'd rather go when everything is open and the salmon are running and bears are feeding on them. Going when everything is closed is like a ghost town unless you like noone around then yes go early.
I've only experienced that late September and very early season, like Late April- personally.
Went in May on Discovery Princess and had a great time! It drizzled in Seattle, Juneau, and Ketchikan but just drizzled so no problem {being a New Hampshire native I have no issues with colder weather or cold drizzle). Saw whales, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles. No mosquitos. Glacier Bay was amazing and it was in the low 40s but the crew was handing out blankets and spiked coffee topside. And cruising the Inside Passage was indescribably beautiful: narrow fjords between snow capped mountains. So I'm all in on recommending a May Alaska cruise.
When in May did you go?
You can see the northern lights up in Alaska in late August / early September around Denali about 4-5 hour drive north of Anchorage. But that's way far away from the cruising area.
I highly recommend doing an RV trip on your own for a week before or after your cruise. Great Alaskan Holidays is a great local company. It's more affordable than most people think.
What a wonderful idea! We would LOVE to try that!!!
I'm headed to Alaska April 28-May 5, 2025 and I was able to book a balcony for $1200!
WOWZA! Nicely done!
Thank you for those tips. I am retiring next year around September 25. To celebrate we are taking our 2nd cruise ever on Holland America out of Vancouver in late August. Fully expecting cold and rain. I am a word one I like cold because I have more cloths for cold than cool. I look better in warmer cloths😂 I was hoping to see wales but And maybe the Northern lights but I’ve watch a lot of videos that say don’t get your hopes up for it over the years. We watch and follow a lot of people that live in Alaska so it’s just a gorgeous place. Always wanted to see it with some snow.
I went mid September. In Ketchikan the salmon run was over the week before we went. As such, there were thousands of dead fish laying around the river leaving a rather odiferous mark. So that is something to think of as well.
Last year I went to Alaska at the end of May and beginning of June. I had one day of decent weather; the other days were cold and drizzly. Yet another cruise vlogger I follow went on the same itinerary two weeks EARLIER and had great weather. Point being, Alaska weather is unpredictable.
You’re right, weather is so unpredictable!
Excellent Excellent video with fantastic information!!!
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate you!!!
Traveling on the Westerdam the end of August
Nice! Love that ship!
I'm in my early 40. I have been princess before. Friends last minute invite to Alaska cruise. I normally go on Royal but thought at least the food would be good. 😢 First vacation in 10 years, and I was disappointed the food wasn't good, the entertainment sounded like a high school musical. I know it's not the cruise faults, but the only excursion I wanted it get rained out. 😢 so sad
Going in a few weeks, can’t wait! I have to say… I’ve watched THOUSANDS of utube videos about cruising…yours are the BEST! Thanks!
Much appreciated!
I'm leaving for Alaska next Saturday (August 31-September 7) and I'm so excited. I have all my layers and really good waterproof jackets/shoes/hats and ponchos ready to go. Bring on the rain 🌧. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst, keeping your expectations realistic is what makes your trip for the better or worse in my opinion, no matter the time of year.
Have fun!
This is so helpful, thank you!
You're so welcome!
Great video 😊. We are going to Alaska with NCL next year and I found your comments very helpful 👍. Weather, prices, lots of people on land - it doesn't matter, as long as we get to see a bear 😐. Otherwise, from day to day, my friend's mood will resemble normal winter weather in Alaska - frosty to freezing cold ☃️😂. Kind regards from Berlin, Germany
Have an amazing cruise on NCL!!!!!
This was helpful because we’re cruising to Alaska in early September (last minute decision) and was concerned about weather.
Have a blast!
We have done two cruises both in late May and I don't think I would ever change that. Weather was great I'll be at a little bit rainy but crowds were moderate and the only downside are no Bears or salmon for the most part
YES! such good points about the wildlife and crowds! All a trade off!
Is that Glacier Bay at 10:15 mark? Very informative video! Thank you!
Hi! It’s Glacier bay immediately followed by nugget falls at mendenhall glacier 🩵
@@CruiseTipsTV amazing place! Thank you!! 🙏
I went to Alaska in May 2017 it was cold and raining. I didn’t saw any wild life.
Thanks for this info
Do tell...where did you see moose?
Never seen any personally!
We found that June 1 - 8th was not great. Mostly cold and wet with no wildlife sightings. Part of the reason was, of course , missing a whole port. This was so disappointing. Princess offered NO compensation. This, to us, was unacceptable. A letter has been written, but alas, I'm sure will not be responded to. We will go straight to Alaska next time and skip the whole cruise thing.
Such a bummer, Sharon! I'm sorry!
Where did u travel from and too?
Hi, can you tell us the reason that Princess missed a whole port? Was it weather-related in June? Or some other issue? Thinking of going soon myself. Thanks in advance.
This is so helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!